Tuolumne County Fishing Reports

Spring conditions are lining up nicely at Don Pedro, with the lake steadily rising and sitting less than 20 feet from full pool. The bite’s been consistent despite a short dip in temps from a recent north wind... water’s hovering in the mid-60s again and fish are responding.

Anglers trolling between 55 and 65 feet are finding the best action, with king salmon and rainbows both hitting. Some solid kings pushing 5 pounds came in this past week, and one crew even doubled up on limits before releasing extras. Frozen shad rigged on custom harnesses is the best right now, especially around bird activity where bait is stacked.

Don Pedro has also been very good for bass. Fish are on beds, and bigger fish lately have moved into the shallows to spawn. Those not locked on beds are holding a bit deeper, but are still aggressive. Soft plastics, blade baits, cranks... just about everything is working.

Kokanee aren’t far off either... expect them to start showing soon as temps keep climbing.

The warming weather is starting to fire up the kokanee and rainbow trout as they chase big shad schools around the lake. Trollers are working 40–60 feet of water and hitting rainbow limits, with a few kokanee mixed in. Apexes, hoochies, and flutter bugs in orange or pink are all producing.

The bass bite has been picking up as both largemouth and spots push into the backs of coves to stage for the spawn. If you can find water in the high 50s to low 60s, you’ll find aggressive fish. Senkos and dropshots are reportedly getting hit hard.